Kapurthala: A 22-year-old man was allegedly shot dead while bursting firecrackers with friends outside his house in the Mehtabgarh area of Punjab’s Kapurthala on Monday evening. Police suspect that the shooting was linked to an old rivalry, with the victim possibly being hit by a bullet intended for another person.
The deceased was identified as Mani, also known as Pahalwan, son of Bagga Singh. According to preliminary information, two brothers from the neighbourhood, identified as Kamal and Mani, allegedly arrived with some associates and opened fire on the group.
A bullet struck Mani in the chest. Hearing the gunshot, family members and neighbours rushed to the spot and took him to the Civil Hospital in Kapurthala, where doctors declared him dead.
His friends, who were bursting firecrackers with him, reportedly fled after the shooting.
Police suspect another person was the intended target
DSP (Sub-Division) Sheetal Singh said the victim was outside his house with friends when two men, identified as Kamal, son of Pala Singh, and Mani, son of Pala Singh, allegedly shot at him.
According to the officer, the investigation has indicated that the alleged rivalry was with another youth named Pam, who was also present with the victim. Police suspect that the assailants may have fired at Pam, but the bullet struck Mani, resulting in his death.
Teams from the CIA staff and City Police Station have launched raids to arrest the accused. Police said Kamal had two previous cases registered against him under the Arms Act.
The City and Kotwali police teams reached the crime scene soon after receiving information about the shooting and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Victim had married recently, says father
The killing has left Mani’s family devastated. His father, Bagga Singh, said his son had married only six months ago and alleged that a group of around 40–50 men had arrived and shot him.
He maintained that the family had no personal enmity with anyone.
Mani was the only brother among four sisters. His death has plunged the family into grief, particularly his newly married wife.
Police are continuing their investigation and conducting raids to trace the accused. Further details about the alleged rivalry and the circumstances leading to the shooting are awaited.
